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Georgian (1714-1837 AD)

The Georgian era started due to the fact that Queen Anne outlived all of her children, and so the throne was offered to her closest protestant relative, George of Hannover; he became George I of England. The first kings of Georgian reign were George I, followed by his son and grandson, who were all named George. The first two rulers took little interest in ruling this country and instead let ministers rule in their place.

George I (1714-27) did not even speak English when he came to the throne. He handed over most of the running of the country to politicians. This is the origin of the position of Prime Minister. After the start of George I rule James Stuart, son of James II landed in Scotland. James and the Jacobite supporters were soon defeated and fled to France.

George II (1727-60) also relied heavily on his ministers. Early is his rule England went to war against Spain over the trade expansions this country had made. In 1745 Charles Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed in Scotland. After building support he marched into England. He marched as far as Derby, but a lack of support saw him retreat back to Scotland. Defeat came at Culloden Moor and Charles escaped to the Isle of Skye and eventually to France.

George III (1760-1820) was the ruler who lost the American colonies in the war of independence, but even with this set back the Britain emerged as a major power during his reign. There was colonisation of New Zealand and Australia, brought about by James Cook. There were also the Napoleonic wars that saw British naval dominance at Trafalgar and the ending of the conflict with the Battle of Waterloo (1815). George III was diagnosed with mental illness and the Prince of Wales was appointed reagent in 1811, until his death in 1820.

George IV first served as reagent to his father George III before becoming king. On being crowned king he only lived for another ten years. He led an extravagant life style and earned contempt from the people. His ministers found hum unreliable and irresponsible. His later years were marked by mental and physical deterioration. On his death the times commented ‘There never was an individual less regretted by his fellow-creatures than this deceased king. What eye has wept for him? What heart has heaved one throb of unmercenary sorrow? ... If he ever had a friend — a devoted friend in any rank of life — we protest that the name of him or her never reached us.’

George IV died without a living heir and so the throne passed to the Duke of Clarence, who was crowned William IV at the age of 64.

The Georgian era saw the beginning of the industrial revolution. There were improvements in agriculture which meant that the surplus could be used to feed urban workers in industry. Towns expanded and the landscape was changed with the revolution. Factories were built near sources of water and mass production became possible. James Watt created an advanced steam engine that was used to power a range of stamping machines. Josiah Wedgewood set up factories in Burslem. The building and improvement to canals was used as a means of transporting these new mass produced goods.

This era was also the time of the stately homes and country houses, which in some cases still survive today. During this time the English empire expanded overseas. During this period the political party system was consolidated into a form that resembles what we have in place now.